Actor Burt Reynolds demonstrates John Wayne's walk for Florida State University film students on Wednesday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Reynolds was discussing the part of the leading man in a film. Democrat files

Sue Hall, longtime secretary to Bobby Bowden, walks with legendary Hollywood actor and former FSU football player Burt Reynolds into the Bobby Bowden Roast on July 15, 2009 at the University Center Club in Tallahassee. Democrat files

Legendary Hollywood film actor and former FSU football plyer Burt Reynolds greets FSU head football coach Bobby Bowden at the start of the Bobby Bowden Roast on July 15, 2009 at the University Center Club in Tallahassee, Fla. Democrat files

Burt Reynolds exchanges nameplates with Tallahassee Quarterback Club president Jim Conner after Bobby Bowden made a joke about the legendary Hollywood actor at the Bobby Bowden Roast on July 15, 2009 at the University Center Club in Tallahassee. Democrat files

On a breezy spring morning, Burt Reynolds, star of stage and screen, sits on a tiny sofa in a tiny lounge crammed with media folk and their bulky paraphernalia.

The temperature in the room has been elevated by TV camera lights and the body heat of reporters hanging on Reynolds' every word. But the ruggedly handsome actor is cool as a cucumber in his tan blazer, black slacks and ostrich-skin cowboy boots. He speaks softly, in measured tones, the silver in his salt-and-pepper hair gleaming like the diamonds in the chunky Seminole ACC championship ring on his left hand.

It's not all that unusual to find the Florida State University alum and noted Seminole supporter hunkered down with the media in the Doak Campbell Stadium complex during spring football drills.

But Reynolds isn't in town to inspect the Seminoles' latest group of gridiron recruits — he's visiting FSU as a guest lecturer/instructor at the film and theater schools.

Reynolds will be here through Friday sharing insights from his 45-plus years of experience in theater, television and film. And while he means to concentrate his efforts in the classroom, that's not to say he won't find time to slip over to the practice field for a breath of fresh football air.

"I hope to catch the scrimmage on Saturday," he said at Tuesday's media-availability session.

Reynolds has been a staunch supporter of sports and academics — especially the theater school — at FSU through the years. In 1979, the School of Theatre established the Reynolds Chair as part of Florida's Eminent Scholar Chair Program. Seed money came from a $600,000 gift from Reynolds and an additional $400,000 in state funds. The endowment is used to bring distinguished professors and theater professionals to teach at FSU.

Reynolds, who was born in Waycross, Ga., and grew up in West Palm Beach, came to Tallahassee to play for the Seminoles in 1954 as a hotshot running back on a football scholarship. His budding athletic career was cut short by a knee injury in the first game of the season. The injury both narrowed Reynolds' focus and broadened his horizons.

"I just wanted to get as far away from the athletic department . . . as I could," he said. "I wanted to get away from that jock mentality."

On Broadway

The drama department at Palm Beach Junior College — where Reynolds enrolled after recuperating from the knee injury and a subsequent car accident — was about as distant from the football field as he could get. He was fascinated by the people and the process of theater, so much so that he left in 1956 to seek his dramatic fortunes with a scholarship to the Hyde Park Playhouse in upstate New York.

Reynolds naturally gravitated to the hub of the theater world in New York City after his apprenticeship at Hyde Park. That's where he saw his first Broadway production and got hooked on acting for good.

"I saw 'Guys and Dolls,' and it stunned me," Reynolds said. "Also, I was lucky enough to strike up a friendship with an actor named Rip Torn . . . and I started auditing classes at the Actors Studio."

For a time, Reynolds and Torn were roommates and had some madcap bachelor adventures while soaking up the wisdom and guidance of the Actors Studio's legendary director Lee Strasberg.

Reynolds' Broadway debut came in a 1961 production of "Look, We've Come Through" directed by the late Jose Quintero (who would come to FSU in 1989 as a recipient of the Reynolds Chair).

"I was too dumb to be scared," Reynolds said of the play's opening night.

Reynolds had already made a few forays into the world of television, landing roles on such series as "Riverboat," "Gunsmoke" and "Hawk." And he'd had a few parts in small films. A public image was starting to emerge, and a string of talk-show appearances in the '70s cemented the perception of Reynolds as a cocky, macho, witty guy. The persona was fueled by numerous sessions as a guest on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show."

Reynolds' big breakthrough came in 1972 when he starred in "Deliverance," which spread his brooding, muscled sex appeal across the big screen and established him as a serious actor.

Reynolds returned to television in the '80s with the popular sitcom "Evening Shade," which earned him an Emmy. His Hollywood star began to ascend again in the mid-'90s, when Reynolds won rave reviews for his turn as a crazed, right-wing congressman in "Striptease" and a choice part as a venal televangelist in Alexander Payne's black comedy "Citizen Ruth."

Back on track

He found his career back on track when he starred as a fatherly porn producer/director in Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 movie "Boogie Nights." He won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for that role and was nominated for an Oscar.

Reynolds thinks his knowledge of the rocky shoals of show business can help future thespians and filmmakers at FSU.

"I have (more than) 45 years of experience (to offer)," he said. "And I certainly haven't had a dull life. I know there are peaks and valleys. . . . The big question is how you can climb back up and do it with a sense of humor and a sense of your self."

Recently, Reynolds has been doing quite a bit of work in Europe. He just finished filming a movie, "Snapshots," in Amsterdam with Julie Christie and was honored in France for his contributions to film.

American fans will want to tune in for the final episode of the popular Fox series "X-Files," in which Reynolds plays perhaps his biggest role of all.

"I play God," Reynolds said with his wicked grin before exiting the lounge to take his place at the front of a film-school classroom.

FILE - In this Sept. 23,1976 file photo Burt Reynolds sits in his trailer on the set of "Smokey and the Bandit," in Atlanta. Hundreds of fans in Trans Ams made it to Atlanta to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Smokey and the Bandit." About 350 cars retraced actor Burt Reynolds' wild ride from the Texas-Arkansas line to Atlanta in the movie that roared into pop culture in 1977. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) AP

Actor Burt Reynolds, left, and friend Jerry Reed arrives together Dec. 16, 1975 at the Nashville Municipal Airport from Los Angeles where they appeared together the night before on ÒThe Tonight Show.Ó Reynolds is in town for a guest appearance on ÒThe Jerry Reed Show,Ó being taped Dec. 18th. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

Bobby Goldsboro, left, Lynn Anderson, Burt Reynolds and Buddy Killen point to the total raised during the 10th annual WSM-TV Cerebral Palsy Telethon on March 9, 1974, at the Municipal Auditorium. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Jim Nabors, Dolly Parton, and Burt Reynolds, left to right, during the gala premier in Austin Texas, on Sunday, July 11, 1982, of the movie 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas', starring Parton and Reynolds. (AP Photo/TWP) AP

Tune up the banjo, grab a paddle and welcome to the South. Four city-dwelling pals (from right, Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox) take a canoe trip down a wild river that is home to some unsavory hill folk when The Tallahassee Film Society’s Southern Gothic Film Series continues with a screening of “Deliverance” (1972) at 7:15 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Cinema, in the Amtrak station off Railroad Avenue. It’s rated R. Guest speaker Bruce Bickley, a professor emeritus at Florida State, will be on hand to discuss the film. Admission is free. Visit www.tallahasseefilms.com. Warner Bros.

Actor Burt Reynolds answers questions from the newsmen at the unveiling of his statue, right, at Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California, Friday, Oct. 7, 1978. Reynolds was voted into the Museum by vote of visitors attracted to the display each year. The statue is a wax likeness of Reynolds in his role of the movie film “Deliverance.” ASSOCIATED PRESS

is displayed at Julien's Auctions' preview of a collection of items from Burt Reynolds at the Palms Casino Resort on December 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The auction will feature more than 600 items and will take place at the Palms on December 11-12. Ethan Miller

NEW YORK - MAY 23: (U.S. TABLOIDS OUT) (L-R) Rapper Nelly and actor Burt Reynolds make an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live to promote the "The Longest Yard" on May 23, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images) Peter Kramer, Getty Images

26 Aug 2000: Actor Burt Reynolds talks to the referee during the Pigskin Classic Game between the Florida State Seminoles and the BYU Cougars at the Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Cougars 23-3.Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport Craig Jones, Getty Images

August 1977: American actor Burt Reynolds smiles with his girlfriend, actor Sally Field, while attending an outdoor event. He wears a blue V-neck sweater, and has a beard and mustache. (Photo by Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images) Frank Edwards, Getty Images

Burt Reynolds, US actor, holding an American football and wearing shoulder pads in a publicity still issued for the film, 'The Mean Machine', USA, 1974. Also known as 'The Longest Yard', the 1974 comedy, directed by Robert Aldrich (1918Â–1983), starred Reynolds as 'Paul Crewe'. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images) Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images

Superstar and sex symbol Burt Reynolds waves goodbye to his fans as he gets ready to ride away after landing at Nashville Municipal Airport Feb. 2, 1975. He is in town for the upcoming world premiere of "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings." Gerald Holly / The Tennessean

Burt Reynolds, one of the most highly visible entertainers going, talks about many topics during an interview in his suite at the Spence Manor Feb. 3, 1975. Reynolds is in town for the world premiere of "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings." Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

Movie fans are watching as actor Burt Reynolds waits to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" March 25, 1974 at a service station on Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Actor Burt Reynolds, right, is waiting to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" March 25, 1974. In the scene, Reynolds, as W.W., robs a service station at Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood and then leaves the surprised attendant a $20 tip. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Actor Burt Reynolds wait to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" March 25, 1974. In the scene, Reynolds, as W.W., robs a service station at Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood and then leaves the surprised attendant a $20 tip. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

T. Tommy Cutrer, left, interviews "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" star Burt Reynolds after his arrival for the world premiere of the film at downtown Loews Crescent theater Feb. 4, 1975. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

On the set of "Dog Years" with Burt Reynolds is director Adam Rifkin (left) and actor/comedienne Chesta Drake, a woman with an abundance of southern charm who portrays a fan who unexpectedly runs into Reynolds in a supermarket. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM THE BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE FOR FILM AND THEATRE

Burt Reynolds takes a photo with a fan during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016. Calvin Mattheis / News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds talks with the media during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016. Calvin Mattheis / News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor TIm Burchett, right, takes a selfie with Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville March 29, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

THE BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE PRESENTS 'SHOTS' - A play written by 18-year-old Christina Karabiyik, pictured with Burt Reynolds, offered Oct. 4-6, is an in-depth look at gun violence from the perspective of those facing the possibility of death. Her reason for writing this play was personal. A few years ago, she lived directly across the street from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Information and tickets are available by calling 561-743-9955 or info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE

BURT IN THE EISSEY SPOTLIGHT - Tickets are now on sale for the one night only presentation of An Evening with Burt Reynolds, sponsored by Legends Radio 100.3 FM/Dick Robinson Entertainment LLC and Humana. This intimate opportunity to share a few hours with Jupiter’s favorite son and America’s favorite Bandit will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. Read Donna Carbone's story, Page 21. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEGENDS RADIO/EISSEY CAMPUS THEATRE

Burt Reynolds arrives during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, starring Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds will answer questions from the audience, speak about his career and show film clips from some of his 200-plus movies at 7:30 p.m. July 26 at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEGENDS RADIO/EISSEY CAMPUS THEATRE

Burt Reynolds speaks on stage with movie producer and Knoxville native Gordon Whitener, left, and producer Neil Mandt during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds sneaks onto stage during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds takes a photo with a fan during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero greets Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds takes photos during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor TIm Burchett takes a selfie with Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds greets fans during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds is presented an honorary plaque during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds raises his eyebrow while speaking on stage during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds talks with the media during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds arrives during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burt Reynolds speaks with the media during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Tennessee Director of Athletics and former football coach Phillip Fulmer meets with Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, staring Burt Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Burton Leon Reynolds was born on Feb. 11, 1936, in Lansing, Mich. The actor died Sept. 6, 2018 in Jupiter, Fla. at the age of 82.
Here he posed for a portrait to promote his movie "The Last Movie Star." in Beverly Hills, Calif, on March 21, 2018. DAN MACMEDAN/USA TODAY

Reynolds sits on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am at the world premiere of "The Bandit," a documentary chronicling the memories of the "Smokey and the Bandit" cast and crew, at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, in 2016. JACK PLUNKETT/INVISION/AP

Actor Burt Reynolds attends the "Dog Years" Premiere during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Cinepolis Chelsea on April 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) Noam Galai, Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

Burt Reynolds' 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit' is displayed at Julien's Auctions' preview of a collection of items from Burt Reynolds at the Palms Casino Resort on December 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev. Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Burt Reynolds and Ariel Winter star in "The Last Movie Star," screening as the Closing Night Film of the Palm Springs International Film Festival Sunday at Palm Springs High School. Courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Burt Reynolds watches from the director's chair as actors perform a scene from the Neil Simon play, "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" in this file photo at the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum in Jupiter. Alex Boerner/TREASURE COAST NEWS

FILE - In this March 12, 2016 file photo, Burt Reynolds sits on a 1977 Pontiac Trans-Am at the world premiere of "The Bandit" at the Paramount Theatre during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Hundreds of fans in Trans Ams made it to Atlanta to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Smokey and the Bandit." About 350 cars retraced actor Burt Reynolds' wild ride from the Texas-Arkansas line to Atlanta in the movie that roared into pop culture in 1977. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP) Jack Plunkett, Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP

In this June 20, 2017 photo, a Pontiac Trans-Am is parked with a cut out photo of actors Burt Reynolds and Sally Field during the 10th Bandit Run in Birmingham, Ala. The Bandit Run is a reenactment of the journey portrayed in the 1977 movie "Smokey and the Bandit." (Joe Songer/AL.com via AP) Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com, AP

Center stage at the Eissey Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens on June 1 saw Hollywood megastar Burt Reynolds surrounded by friends - on stage and in the audience. Pictured with Reynolds, second from right, is Charles Modica, at Reynolds' left, and Joe Namath, at Reynolds' right. The man pictured at the far left is unidentified. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LARRY WOOD OF EYE ON U PHOTOGRAPHY

Actor Burt Reynolds jokes with the audience Friday, June 9, 2017, after being presented with the Life Worth Living Legend Award by Jerusha Stewart (right) during the Vero Beach Wine and Film Festival in Vero Beach. Reynolds spoke with film critic Jeffrey Lyons about his career in cinema and his newest film, "Dog Years," which was screened later Friday evening. To see more photos, go to TCPalm.com. JEREMIAH WILSON/TCPALM

From left, Jon Voight, Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty pose with Burt Reynolds, in this file photo taken for the Burt Reynolds Museum during the 40th anniversary reunion of the hit film "Deliverance." Reynolds is scheduled for a presentation of "An Evening with Burt Reynolds" on June 1 in Palm Beach Gardens, and then to be honored with a "Life Worth Living Legend Award" on June 8 at the Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE FOR FILM AND THEATRE

Gilbert Carrasquillo, WireImage
In his new book, Burt Reynolds talks about movies, women and the roles that got away.
Burt Reynolds, seen earlier this year at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago. Gilbert Carrasquillo, Gilbert Carrasquillo, WireImage

The "Dog Years" cast includes Burt Reynolds Institute Executive Director Todd Vittum (left). Vittum, who is an experienced performer and improvisation teacher, plays Buddy Blump, owner of Blump Industries and father of the bride at the Blump/Delson wedding. Jerry Glanville (right), former coach of the NFL's Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons, plays the father of the groom. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM THE BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE FOR FILM AND THEATRE

Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds received his only Oscar nomination for his work in "Boogie Nights" (1997), and lost the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1998 to Robin Williams for "Good Will Hunting." File photo